App warns drinkers if they exceed alcohol limits

New smartphone app Alcohol Tracker warns imbibers if they exceed the recommended maximum daily and weekly units of alcohol.

A commentary published in the online journal BMJ Innovations revealed the app has been designed to help drinkers “better manage their intake”.

It was developed by doctors using clinical evidence, and features built-in psychological therapies such as such as a functional analysis, behavioural goals toolkit, and helpline links to help users avoid “hazardous drinking”.

The Alcohol Tracker enables users to log the number of beers, shots, or glasses of wine they have consumed each day, and calculates the total number of units.

When the recommended daily or weekly limits have been exceeded – defined by national guidelines issued in Canada and the UK – the app issues a warning.